Abandoned Vehicles – How To Act

You have the right to report a car or vehicle if you suspect it has been abandoned – signs of which include the vehicle having been stationary for a long time (at least 21 days) subject to extensive damage – such as rust, broken windows or burn damage – missing registration plates, flat tyres or missing wheels.

Any vehicle considered to be abandoned is dealt with using the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 and the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005 which contain relevant legislation used to remove abandoned vehicles from both public highways and private land. The whole process generally takes between 3 – 4 weeks.

The abandoned vehicle section cannot deal with cars that are taxed; by law they can’t be considered abandoned unless they have undergone serious damage and/or neglect.

Safe driving from Britannia!